Russell Crowe goes into battle for diseased koalas

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has been hailed a “hero” by Australia Zoo owner Terri Irwin for helping treat an influx of koalas with Chlamydia at Australia Zoo this month.

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has been hailed a “hero” for helping treat an influx of koalas with Chlamydia at Australia Zoo this month.

Australia Zoo owner Terri Irwin recently thanked the Gladiator star for his ongoing support and a spokeswoman told Confidential that without treatment, the sexually transmitted infection can lead to blindness and even death in some cases.

Koala saviour.... Actor Russell Crowe.

“Due to an early start of trauma season this year, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has been receiving an alarmingly high number of patients, particularly koalas,” the spokeswoman said.

“Every year, more than 50 per cent of koalas admitted to the hospital are diseased, with the most common illness being Chlamydia.

“The sexually transmitted disease can lead to blindness, severe bladder inflammation, infertility and death. In the first three weeks of August 2021, the Wildlife Hospital treated 55 koalas out of which 25 presented with a disease.”

Crowe has been a longtime donor to the John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward.

“Russell Crowe has been a long-term supporter of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital,” she said.

Praise.... Australia Zoo owner Terri Irwin thanked Crowe.

“He has helped support the John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward that provides specialised rehabilitation wards for koalas suffering from Chlamydia.

“Russell Crowe also donated an endoscope which helps expert veterinarians perform lifesaving treatment on animals admitted to the Wildlife Hospital.”